Prima Queen – The Prize: An Indie-Pop Manifesto Written in Sisterhood 🌸
The transatlantic duo Prima Queen—Louise Macphail from Bristol and Kristin McFadden from Chicago—make a confident entrance into the indie-pop scene with their debut album The Prize, released on April 25, 2025, via Submarine Cat Records. This 12-track collection carries echoes of Tegan and Sara, Haim, and Taylor Swift, yet its true strength lies in the decade-long friendship and creative bond between Louise and Kristin.
🎧 Track-by-Track Journey
Clickbait (Intro): A brief but captivating opener that softly invites listeners into the story about to unfold.
Mexico: Recorded live in a big studio, this track stands out with evocative lines like “I dreamt last night that I died…” layered over deep acoustic guitar textures.
The Prize: The heart of the album’s manifesto. With lines like “Did you forget you’re a diamond?” it offers an intimate call to self-confidence. Co-written last minute with Steph Marziano, it’s placed right at the center of the album’s narrative.
Oats (Ain’t Gonna Beg): Energetic, independence-driven, and carrying Sir Chloe vibes.
Ugly: Rock-driven, filled with anger and determination, wrapped in gothic textures—one of the standout singles.
Flying Ant Day: A dreamy summer song reminiscent of Feist, supported by warm vocal harmonies and acoustic layers.
Meryl Streep: The anthem of anxiety and progress, carried by indie-pop melodies.
Spaceship: The album’s most delicate moment: stripped-back guitars and heartfelt lyrics conjure a profound sense of loneliness.
Fool: A rhythmic, catchy pop-rock tune.
Woman and Child: Another powerful track filled with harmonious vocals and pop-rock energy.
Sunshine Song: Optimistic and gentle, this track adds a sunny touch to the alb
More Credit: A closing ballad symbolizing facing the past and looking toward the future with hope.
👥 Production & Creative Dynamics
This album marked a turning point for producer Steph Marziano. Recorded in 2023 at Angelic Studios, the record perfectly blends live performance energy with studio polish. Louise and Kristin’s joint songwriting throughout reflects themes of honesty and friendship, weaving a sincere and heartfelt narrative.
📰 Critical Echoes
The Line of Best Fit: “Embracing, confident; a forgiving album toward mistakes” (8/10).
DIY Magazine: “An intimate exploration centered on female friendship.”
MusicOMH: “Influences of Tegan & Sara, Haim, Taylor Swift; full of humor and sincerity” (4★).
When the Horn Blows: “Consistent despite emotional turbulence; Woman and Child is a standout.”
Picky Bastards (8.8): “They bring confident variety; a balanced indie-pop blend.”
🌟 Live Shows & Future Directions
Since their debut, Prima Queen has toured the UK extensively, playing major festivals and venues like Glastonbury, SXSW, Pitchfork Paris, Liverpool Jacaranda, and All Points East. Sharing stages with bands such as Wet Leg, Olivia Dean, and The Big Moon, they’ve proven their live power and chemistry.
🎧 Final Thought: A Beginning Written in Friendship
The Prize is a debut woven with joy, heartbreak, confidence, and camaraderie. It’s both intimate and energetic, melodic and emotionally deep—a record that stakes Prima Queen’s claim as the voice of sisterhood in indie-pop. Without a doubt, one of 2025’s most heartfelt and promising breakthroughs.
